She had been left an orphan, wholly unprovided for, several years ago.

Her father had gained his living by copying in the gallery.

The old woman, Orsola Steno, with whom she lived, was no relation to her, but had been the dear friend of her mother, and had taken the orphan to live with her out of pure charity.

They were very poor,--very poor, indeed.

But Paolina was beginning to do something.